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SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – One of the Internet’s most popular websites is going the way of social media giants like Facebook and Twitter by introducing advertising.

Pinterest announced Thursday it will introduce advertising in the form of “promoted pins.” The company said the pins will eventually be brand-sponsored content that members will be able to find in search results and category feeds.

“I know some of you may be thinking, ‘Oh great…here come the banner ads.’ But we’re determined to not let that happen,” said Pinterest CEOBen Silbermann in an email to members. As an example, he said members might find, “a pin for a Darth Vader outfit from a costume shop…promoted in a search for ‘halloween.’”

Silbermann said the company will do its best to ensure that promoted pins are tasteful.

The company said it is not charging for its first tests of the ad product, which have yet to officially begin.

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